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ROMAN WALL BLUES


Over the heather the wet wind blows,
I've lice in my tunic and a cold in my nose.


The rain comes pattering out of the sky,
I'm a Wall soldier, I don't know why.


The mist creeps over the hard grey stone,
My girl's in Tungria; I sleep alone.


Aulus goes hanging around her place,
I don't like his manners, I don't like his face.


Piso's a Christian, he worships a fish;
There'd be no kissing if he had his wish.


She gave me a ring but I diced it away;
I want my girl and I want my pay.


When I'm a veteran with only one eye
I shall do nothing but look at the sky.


October 1937

Перевод Фельдмана мне, если честно, не понравился... Интересно было бы почитать перевод Бродского, к-рый Одена очень любил.

Надо бы показать этот стих Кирришу - вдруг и вправду блюз получится. =)